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Carneros District
As you approach the Wine Country from the south, you must first pass through the Carneros District, a cool, windswept region that borders San Pablo Bay and marks the entrance to both Napa and Sonoma valleys. Until the latter part of the 20th century, this mixture of marsh, sloughs, and rolling hills was mainly used as sheep pasture. (Carnero means “sheep” in Spanish.)
After experimental plantings yielded slow-growing yet high-quality grapes -- particularly chardonnay and pinot noir -- several Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley wineries expanded their plantings here, eventually establishing the Carneros District as an American viticultural appellation. Although about a dozen wineries spread throughout the region, there are no major towns or attractions -- just gorgeous scenery as you cruise along Highway 121, the major junction between Napa and Sonoma.
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Winery of the Month
Cellars of Sonoma
Sonoma Wine Country
Located in historic Railroad Square of
Santa Rosa, Cellars of Sonoma offers
a unique wine tasting experience in a
unique and stylish location that offers
intimacy, access and knowledge.
Serving award winning wines from
Sonoma’s rising star wineries. Open 7
days a week until 8:30pm and Thu-Sat
until 10pm they offer flights by the
glass or the bottle and live music every
Friday night, aroma seminar’s and
broadcast live interviews with local
winemakers from the tasting room
every Tuesday at 6pm.
Stop by and mention LocalGetaways to receive 2 complimentary current release wine tasting flights or $5 off aroma seminars.
>>Click for more info